Well, here we are.

I never thought I would reach senior year. I don’t know why, I just thought it was something that only happened in movies. As I approach my last couple of days in high school, it’s starting to hit hard that I’m never going to see these people again, (thank God). But seriously, I won’t miss the fights, egotistic people and the surprising lack of common sense. I can say, I will miss the familiar faces I grew up with.

Most people say junior year is the worst year of high school, but honestly it was the only year of high school where I felt like I truly belonged. I got close with the whole newspaper staff and we all became one big family. I even began dating the newspaper guy I had been crushing on for four months (never give up girls, stay delusional). I went to my first prom and even won best column in Texas. 

It’s been one heck of a journey. 

To 2024-2025 staff: You guys were the bunch that got to experience me as editor-in-chief. I know I was hard on all of you sometimes, but I know each and every one of you have so much potential that needed letting out. For most of you, this was your first year on staff and I need you guys to understand how much everyone’s writing has grown from where you were in August. Everyone has made me such a proud EIC, I wouldn’t be in this position without you guys. I hope you guys come back next year and take care of FarHar, I can’t wait to read your stories. Thank y’all. 

To Alexa, Rae, AJ, Jade, Daniel, James Ross Dunagan III, Kevin, Ruben, Sam and Charlie: Those who were there when I first started writing and have graduated. You guys left me with the big responsibility that is the Farmers’ Harvest. I truly made the best high school memories in newspaper with you guys. That sounds so sad but this newspaper has been my everything for the last three years. The best part wasn’t winning awards (though that was a big plus,) it was getting to meet and grow as writers with all of you. Most of you don’t look at FarHar anymore and probably won’t see this, but to those who are, you are my favorites. I’m not the cliché type as you guys know, but I wouldn’t be the writer and editor I am without every one of you. Thank y’all.

To Noah, Isaiah and Gabriel: You are the people I became closest to in my last year of newspaper, I don’t think I would’ve enjoyed this year without you guys. Noah, you were my secret Santa two years in a row, you’ll now have enough lotion to last you the rest of your life, you’re welcome. Though I’ll never forgive you for falling asleep in MY spot more than a few times, you’re my gang for life. Isaiah, AKA Unc, you were always there to listen to my rants and I cant thank you enough for that. I’ve known you since elementary school and I’m so glad we got to reunite ten years later. I had the best time with you in San Antonio, the picture in front of the Alamo will forever be iconic. Gabriel, the king of editorials (allegedly,) you’re the coolest sophomore I’ve ever met. Even though you let me get lost in San Antonio, I’ll let it slide because I survived. Stay cool and keep kicking butt in UIL. Thank y’all.

To Hale: Hale, I remember taking your journalism class freshman year. I can’t lie, the only reason I took it was because the only electives open were journalism and P.E. One of the first assignments you gave us was to bring something from home that means something to us and present it in front of the class. I truly was dreading this assignment, you have no idea. During my presentation, I was shaking and stuttering because I was so nervous. At the end of the course, you recruited me to join newspaper sophomore year. I bet you never would’ve thought that shy girl would turn into the girl with the big personality I have now, I think you’re to blame for the way I am now to be honest. I know you tried your best to recruit me every year for UIL and I wish I joined sooner. UIL was such an fun experience, especially loading my neck up with medals (I was scammed in region but I’m over it now). I want you to know you’re the reason I’m pursuing a career in journalism. Thank you.

To Pinkham: My teacher bestie. You’re easily the best and most amazing teacher I’ve ever had. Coming into your class for the last three years felt like I was coming to see my best friend every day. Through all the endless rants, drama and tea I had to spill, you were always there to listen and I can’t thank you enough for that. You have continued to fuel my passion for writing and inspired me to push through the inevitable writer’s block. I don’t think I can forgive you for leaving my senior year to have a baby (hi baby Austin,) but I’m so glad I got to be your editor-in-chief this year and represent you. I don’t know what newspaper is going to look like next year, and I’m sure you don’t either, but no matter how stressed you get please, PLEASE rant to me, you know I will love to hear about it. Thank you bestie.

To my parents: My day ones. Through all the ups and downs of high school, you guys have always been there for me. Dad, I’ll never forget all the hockey games we went to after school. Going to games with you always made my day, no matter how bad we lost. Though I’ll be in college five hours away in the fall, I hope you take mom to as many games as possible to make up for the ones I stole from her. Growing up without you there all the time was hard, but you worked so hard for us and I cant thank you enough for that. I’m so glad you’ll get to be there for both of my graduations (sorry to flex on Sierra). Mom, I think it’s time to admit that I’ve realized I’m just like you. I look like you and we truly have the exact same personality (minus the Winnie gene). Please take care of Poppy while I’m gone, and please send me proof-of-life pictures every day. Thank you for all of the sacrifices and Karen moments you’ve done for me. Most importantly, thank you for all of the Diet Cokes. I love y’all, thank you. 

To Zain: Hello Zain Khan. You have been my biggest supporter on and off the website this year, reading and liking everything I’ve put out there, no matter how trash I think it is. You’ve heard about every bad interview, picture and absolutely anything I’ve been thinking that day. This year has been a rollercoaster of emotions and you have been with me the whole time. The nightly FaceTime calls, endless support and advocation for me is the reason I am pushing through a rough senior year. I always pictured my senior year as having a big friend group, going to all the senior events and being popular, but you made me feel like I didn’t need all of that. I wish we could have spent our senior year together, but you coming to my senior prom and homecoming was more than enough to last me all year. Thank you for everything.

I would like to leave everyone on FarHar with my favorite quote: YOLO man, ‘cause you never know until you try, so live your life to the fullest. Swag swag dude.